USC prepares for long trip to Rutgers amid East Coast concerns
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 8:31 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
No. 11 Southern California heads to Rutgers for a lengthy 2,769-mile journey in its Big Ten opener. Despite being heavy favorites, USC aims to break a trend of poor performances in the Eastern time zone, having won just one out of its last 11 games there. The Trojans are changing their travel schedule by departing two days early to better acclimate to the time difference. Coach Lincoln Riley emphasizes the need to adapt their travel plans based on past experiences as they strive to remain unbeaten.
- •USC travels 2,769 miles for the longest Big Ten road trip.
- •Trojan history includes a 1-10 record in their last 11 Eastern Time Zone games.
- •USC previously won at Purdue in 2025, their first Eastern win since 2012.
- •The team departs Los Angeles two days before the game for better preparation.
- •Lincoln Riley notes adjustments made from previous travel experiences.
- 8:31 AMYahoo Sports — USC's cross-country trip to Rutgers revives questions about East Coast struggles
"USC travels 2,769 miles to Rutgers for the longest Big Ten road trip, hoping to avoid the East Coast struggles that plagued it for years.
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